Cavity flows driven by buoyancy and shear

The Navier-Stokes equations are solved iteratively on a small digital computer for the class of flows generated within a rectangular “cavity” by a surface passing over its open end. Solutions are presented for depth/breadth ratios ƛ=0.5 (shallow), 10 (square), 20 (deep) and Reynolds number 100. Flow photographs ore obtained which largely confirm the predicted flows. The theoretical velocity profiles and pressure distributions through the centre of the vortex in the square cavity are calculated.